A Bride Worth Billions Page 15

  “Oh, yeah Cass. You’re not in a cozy Boston brownstone. We have to work in order to survive this storm.”

  “O.K. cowboy, tell me what to do. I’m not afraid of hard work but this is all new to me.”

  “Sorry if I sound rough Cass. I’ll try to remember you’re a woman and this is your first winter out west. I have no sisters and my Mom died a long time ago so I’m only used to being with men. Can you please grab as much food as you can from Henry’s cellar? I would appreciate it Cassandra.”

  I laughed. “I appreciate the effort Job but you don’t have to overdo it and Cass is fine.”

  From that moment forward, Job and I worked as a team. The task of finding a place the horses could be sheltered from the wind and blowing snow was handled by Job. Together we made sure we had enough firewood inside the cabin for a couple of days. We worked until dusk and I was exhausted.

  “You did good today Cass and I mean it. I don’t know men who can work as hard as you did today. You surprised me to be honest.”

  “I wasn’t going to let you win this thing without putting up a good fight. I enjoyed the work today and while I was trying to impress you as my opponent I proved something to myself.”

  “What was that Cass?”

  “I proved that I can make it out west. I still have a lot to learn but if I make it through this storm, I can make it through anything. When my family died, I thought my life was over and now I feel like I have a future.”

  “Yep. It’s a step in the right direction Cass. Let’s get some shut-eye and we’ll see how much snow we have to deal with in the morning.”

  Job slept on the floor while I slept on the mattress that I had set out to freshen up. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the lumpy pillow. I had dreams that night that I was in a different place but oddly enough, not with a different person. I was in a meadow of wildflowers on a blanket with Job Morgan by my side.

  “Cass, wake up,” Job screamed.

  “What the hell. Is the cabin on fire?” I thought I smelled smoke but I always smelled it since the tragedy in Boston.

  “No. but I see smoke and it’s not from the Indians. There’s smoke coming from Mrs. Dales property.”

  The thought of a fire after what I had been through was paralyzing. Sweat began pouring from every part of my body.

  “What can we do Job? We aren’t going anywhere with this snow and fire - no way; I’m not going near it.” I was hysterical.

  “Grab your coat Cass. I’ll pull you in a make shift sled.” Job picked up an axe and started hammering away at the porch. “This old thing had to be replaced anyways. We’re gonna save that poor woman because that what neighbors do; we help each other.”

  I had no choice so I grabbed rope that Henry had in the cabin and helped secure it to the sled. Job used all his strength to pull me what was probably a mile to Lydia Dale’s house. His strong muscles having no problem pulling my weight through the blustery conditions. We arrived at the Dale ranch and I heard the screams that were similar to what I heard from my family. I was not able to save their four souls but I was going to do everything in my power to save Lydia Dale. We arrived to flames bursting out the roof and smoke billowing out window shutters that had come open.

  “I’m going in Cass. You stay here. The structure is unstable and there’s no use risking both our lives,” Job barked.

  “I’ll follow you Job. I can’t lose you cuz you’re all I have left.”

  “I need you to stay strong Cass. If I get Mrs. Dale out you may have to take care of us both. No time to argue Cass.”

  Job ran into the burning house. He rolled his pelt in the snow and threw it over his head. As soon as he disappeared a small group of about five Indians on horseback arrived. Oh great, she thought, I would be better off burning than whatever they were going to do to me. Four of them started speaking but it wasn’t in English and I was unable to follow their hand gestures. The fifth Indian came and thank God, I understood him.

  “How many in the burning fire? I’m Black-Wing and the smoke brought us here. We are here to help and bring no harm.”

  “Two people. One old woman and one strong man. Please, please help.”

  Black-Wing spoke quickly to the other Indians who were off their horses and charging into the house immediately. I didn’t hear Mrs. Dale screaming any longer and I feared that my worst thoughts had come true. The silence of screams meant only one thing in my experience. I collapsed crying in the snow when I witnessed a miracle. An Indian came out carrying the old woman and she seemed to be alive. He placed her on the sled and used animal skins to keep her warm as Black-Wing said prayers over her trembling body. Next, an Indian appeared holding Job Morgan and the others running behind him. Job was alive and breathing. Lydia and Job were placed on the sled. With the warm brown eyes that were the kindest I had ever seen, Black-Wing wished me peace and disappeared with the others.

  “Are you O.K. Job? The Indians came and saved us; proving they aren’t the savages I feared.”

  I used the pelts left by the Indians to keep Job and Lydia warm. Mrs. Dale was conscious but groggy and unable to speak.

  “We’re not out of the woods yet Cass. I have a gash on my leg so you’re gonna have to pull us back to the cabin by yourself. Do you think you can make it.”

  “I see no choice. I’ll make sure the two of you are bundled tight and we’ll be on our way. I’ll secure the rope around my waist and trudge through the snow,” I said with optimism.

  I made it back to the cabin with Mrs. Dale and Job. At one point, he tried to get of the sled and help but his injury was too painful. The journey took twice as long as it would have with a healthy Job but I managed. Back at the cabin, I stoked the fire and cleaned up their wounds. The snow stopped falling and the winds died down so we all breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Cass, I can’t thank you enough. In addition to helping save my life, you have provided me with a dry place to recuperate. I know that my son.”

  Before Lydia Dale could finish her sentence there was a knock at the door.

  “Mother!” A burly man ran into the cabin and embraced Mrs. Dale.

  “This must be the son that you were going to tell me about,” I said.

  “It sure is. This is my son Jack. I knew he would make it here eventually from Oklahoma City.”

  “I saw smoke coming from this area and I feared it was the old ranch. It’s time for you to move in with Mary and I. We have plenty of room and you’re more than welcome. We thought it was silly for you to remain out here after Dad died; if not for your neighbor I don’t know what would have happened. Thank you Cassandra.”

  “It was my Indian friends who saved the day led by a man named Black-Wing. Job told me that neighbors in these parts help each other, which is what happened in this case. It’s comforting to know that I have friends if I should ever need them.”

  Jack helped his mother to his wagon and they went back into the city leaving Job and I alone.

  “I suppose I should follow suit and get going myself,” Job said.

  “Your leg is coming along Job but I don’t think you should go anywhere for a couple of days. I checked on your horses and they’re doing fine. The snow provided them with plenty to drink and I saved food scraps, which didn’t amount to much but they won’t starve. Jack Dale will get word to Seth that you’re fine so he won’t worry if you’re here for a couple of days.”

  “I guess you’re right; didn’t expect I’d be leaning on you for support when I first met you the day you showed up in Oklahoma. When my leg is healed I’m gonna build you a proper front porch for this cabin. I did quite a number on the thing when I built a sled.”

  “It was going to have to be replaced anyways and I welcome the help. Leaving town sounded like my only choice before the storm hit but now I have confidence that I can stick it out.” I pushed a chunk of my raven hair behind my ears and smiled.

  “Yeah, I’m not so sure I’ll win this cabin after all, as you’re proving a wor
thy opponent.”

  My feelings for Job were changing and I had no idea if his were too. Instead of saying something, I went about my business in hopes that things would work out as they were supposed to. I was busy doing my best to become a frontier woman.

  “I’m going out to split some wood because all of the stuff Uncle Henry stacked is gone; had no idea how much wood it took to keep warm. The shit’s like gold.”

  “Gold doesn’t burn as well Cass.” Job joked.

  I went out on the porch, which was just a couple of boards hanging on to the cabin by a few nails and found a basket. It contained supplies that we could use and some things that were wonderful treats. A sack contained ground corn, which I had learned to make into delicious bread. There were seeds and nuts that I wasn’t sure what to do with but they tasted divine when I popped one in my mouth. It became apparent that Black-Wing and the others had left it when I found a decorative cluster of feathers bound by straw. There were also herbs, dried fruit and a precious bead necklace. I raced back into the house to show Job.

  “Look what the Indians left for us,” I exclaimed.

  Job rummaged through the basket and he was pleased at what he found.

  “They want to be friends Cass. That’s what they mean by the bouquet of feathers and the beads are a big deal. You should feel honored.”

  “I should be the one giving gifts to them,” I said.

  “You will in time. They’re aware of your situation and just by wearing the necklace, you’re reaching out. Now where’s the wood Cass? It’s getting chilly in here.”

  “Don’t get used to this Job. I’m only taking care of you while you’re laid up. I expect to be waited on hand and foot when your injuries heal.” I joked.

  Job pulled me towards him, as we were both in a playful mood. He was immersed in a pile of blankets and the fire’s embers created a soft glow. The moment was unexpected and we were drawn to each other. It could have been the result of having been through the fire together or perhaps we had a newfound respect for one another. It didn’t matter because it was inevitable.

  “I will stop if I’m crossing the line Cass.”

  “I don’t think there’s a line you could cross with me Job.”

  He tugged at the sash of my cream-colored dress and it fell lose around my waist. His hands, which I now realized, were smoothened because of the tannery ran from my neck to my breasts. He squeezed my nipples gently and I let out a soft moan. No man had touched my naked body before and I expected his would be the only hands to ever do so. I pulled loose at his suspenders and gently pulled off his pants one leg at a time. I was careful not to touch his wound.

  Soon we were naked on the blankets and I rubbed his inner thighs moving up until he grew hard. It seemed natural to climb on top of Job and cover him with my naked body. I placed his hard penis inside of me and started to rock. Job and I were moving in unison faster and faster until he wailed and I felt him cum inside of me. I rolled off of him and laid beside him in the room where we could see our breath but neither of us were cold.

  “I know that there is something I should say but I can’t find the words,” I said.

  “There is no need for words Cass. Everything was just said.”

  Job leaned over and kissed me beginning the whole wonderful process again. We held each other for a long time, as neither had concept of time. We explored each other’s bodies finding new ways to please each other. Finally, hours later I fell asleep on Job’s strong stomach, having never felt more complete. It was at my last waking moment that I heard Job utter the words.

  “I love you Cassandra.”

  The words weren’t meant to be heard and I said nothing in return. I trailed off to sleep with a smile.

  I woke up naked under a pile of blankets in front of a roaring fire. Job was nowhere to be seen until he bound in the door.

  “Good morning! I had a burst of energy today so your woodpile is fully replenished. When I leave, you should be set for the rest of the winter. God, I feel great today. I’ll be able to rejoin my father in Oklahoma City as soon as I finish the porch. It won’t take long as the sky is clear and I won’t have any weather delays.”

  “Good morning.” I thought that after baring all I would receive more than a greeting the next day. It seemed like Job couldn’t wait to leave my side. “Sounds good Job. Aren’t you a bit exhausted after last night?”

  “Not in the least. I’m feeling on top of the world. Thanks to your care, my leg is healed and whatever Black-Wing included in that herb packet did the trick. Why don’t you focus on the inside of the cabin today because the sooner I finish the porch, I can get out of your hair.” Job smiled.

  I was crestfallen. The confidence that I thought I had developed didn’t help me speak up to Job. Making love was a beautiful thing and perhaps I had misinterpreted what it meant to him. I was embarrassed which in my case made me close up as a clam.

  I may have well been living with my brother during the next few days. Job worked hard on the front porch and it was built to withstand many Oklahoma winters to come. As a special favor, he saved the sled and added some fancy accents. He also built a rocking chair to place on the front porch. I appreciated the gesture but wished he had made two. I had the future in mind but it appeared Job did not, or at least one with me. Black-Hawk had brought over venison, which I prepared for dinner with some cornbread. My cabin was beginning to look like a home and I was proud of it.

  “I have news Cass,” Job announced.

  “Do tell,” I was excited to hear what he had to say.

  “I’m finished and tomorrow I return to the mill to help my father. What do think about that?”

  I knew it was my chance to tell him that I loved him too and would rather he stay but I chickened out. “The deck is beautiful Job and Seth will be overjoyed to get you back.”

  “I have confidence that you’ll thrive here on Grist Creek. Making friends with the local Indian tribe is not often as easy as it’s been for you. I won’t worry about you now that you have friends looking out for ya. Having help nearby will take a load off your mind too. On my next trip out here, I’ll bring a bell that you can ring if you ever find yourself in distress. The Indians use smoke signals but in your case, I would steer clear of fire of any kind.” Job laughed.

  Our final dinner together was bittersweet. I had grown used to having company in the cabin and especially to having Job by my side. I began to wonder if he was half-asleep when he told me he loved me and didn’t even remember what he said. If I had responded would things have been different because I would have said I love you too; scary words when I had never spoken them to a non-family member. After dinner, Job packed up his sleep roll on which he had been sleeping for weeks and where we spent hours together.

  “I’m leaving at first light so I’m packing up the wagon and hitching up my team tonight.”

  “Do you plan on sleeping on the floor?” I said hoping that he planned to snuggle with me in my bed.

  “Doesn’t bother me. I’ll throw a pelt over my head. Sleeping on a hard surface will do when I’m as tired as I am. I’ll be in a soft bed when I get to my Fathers place tomorrow if he hasn’t replaced me by now.”

  “I’m sure Seth’ll be thrilled to have you back.” I hesitated before deciding to leave him with some clue that I would miss him. “You’ll be missed around here Job. Funny how feelings change.”

  “Yup. Feelings change when you least expect em to.”

  Job grew pensive and made a trip out to the wagon. At this point, I decided a mistake had been made and I had misinterpreted lust for love. I hoped that my parents weren’t looking down on me because what I had done was shameful. I gave myself fully to a man before knowing his true intensions. Job took a list of supplies I would need on his next trip to Grist Creek, which would not be for six weeks at least. I would do fine until then because we had been careful to ration what I had and we were able to pluck some things that weren’t destroyed for the Dale ranch. Most i
mportantly, I salvaged one cow and two pigs.

  We went to sleep and Job was gone by the time I opened my eyes. Opening the front doors of the cabin, I noticed the angle of the sun changing and the winds were calm. I was going to make it through the first winter and there was no time to dwell on past mistakes.

  In the mornings I began throwing open the shutters to let in the cool spring breeze. Spring was not far off and with the help of my Indian friends, I planned a small crop of potatoes and corn. I didn’t consider myself a farmer by any means but had learned to take on challenges as they came along.

  Black-Hawk knew how to speak English but I found that many of the Chickasaw people lacked the confidence to use it. Some other tribes saw this as giving in to the white man so they relied on hand gestures, which I came to understand. Bright-Leaf was a woman, maybe the wife of Black-Hawk, who came to visit often and taught me about food preparation that I knew nothing of from my years in Boston. After the first few visits, her English became almost as good as my own and we became friends. I spoke of Job a great deal although I never told her the intimate night we shared together. It had been five weeks since Job left and Bright-Leaf was teaching me to use a loom. I was not feeling well and she had given me some ginger root to ease my queasiness.

  “Your Job is returning soon. He should stay with you. A woman needs a man; a husband. You work very hard but will not be able to keep a homestead for long alone.” Bright-Wing batted her large brown eyes.

  “There are some white women who do not take a husband and I think that will be me.”

  Bright-Wing remained silent for a few moments and I noticed her eyes were focused on my belly. The thought had come to my mind that perhaps I was carrying Job’s child but I had refused to believe it.

  “You cannot hide from the truth Cassandra. Time is swift like the wind and you must tell Job.”